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Myles Autry: It could be a wild, wild finish in recruiting

WR-RB Myles Autry is one of state’s top uncommitted prospects and best of friends with No. 1 Lorenzo Carter (AJC)

One of the most intriguing storylines in recruiting to follow over the next two weeks will be Myles Autry.

He’s the 4-star athlete from Norcross High School who is uncommitted and ranked as Georgia’s No. 21 overall college prospect.

The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder appears to be a hot commodity down recruiting’s final stretch for many reasons, including the fact that he finally showed college scouts late in his senior season that he still had his signature explosiveness after recovering from major reconstructive knee surgery.

Autry also has a special connection to the state’s No. 1 prospect, which could create some interesting scenarios that would make JFK conspiracy theorists proud.

Georgia Tech has always been considered the school to beat because Autry’s older brother plays for the Yellow Jackets (and their mom likes the idea), while reigning national champion Florida State is a top contender.

There’s also the Florida Gators, which could make a late push for Autry for several reasons, including his close friendship with Norcross teammate Lorenzo Carter, the 5-star defensive end who has UGA and Florida as his co-leaders.

And, because of that, in theory, UGA could also get involved late with Autry if they feel like it may push them over the top with Carter, even though there’s nothing going on there now. The Bulldogs will probably have a few extra scholarships available for this year’s class to get creative.

Autry has kept a low-profile with his recruiting, but updated the AJC this weekend on his situation:

He switched around his official visits, and will now go to Georgia Tech next weekend and FSU on Jan. 31. Things also may be heating up with Florida, and Autry said he maintains communications with Ohio State (which he calls his “dream school”) and Oregon.

“I’m going to tell you this: It’s going to be a real hard decision for me on Feb. 5 (signing day),” Autry said. “My mom and I are going to have to talk everything out. It’s going to be a hard decision. You know, that’s life.”

Last Thursday, Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Ted Roof stopped by Norcross to visit with Autry. His older brother is Anthony Autry, a rising sophomore wide receiver with the Yellow Jackets.

“Georgia Tech was originally my last official visit but I switched it with FSU because I signed up to take the SAT next Saturday,” Autry said. “Georgia Tech was the only one of my leaders that is a local school, so I can start my official visit that Friday night, come back the next morning for the SAT, and go back to Georgia Tech right after that.”

What about his brother’s present at Georgia Tech? How does that impact things? “He got a medical redshirt this year, giving him three more years,” Autry said. “That would just be three years for us to play together. And that would be my main reason to go to Georgia Tech, to play with my brother. Together, we could do some damage like we did in high school. It’s really going to be a hard decision there.”

On Friday at Norcross, Autry was visited by Florida State assistant Charles Kelly. There’s a strong relationship there as Kelly recruited his older brother to Georgia Tech while working as an assistant for the Yellow Jackets.

“Tallahassee is a great city, and FSU is a great place to be at,” Autry said. “I visited there and had a great time; My mom visited there and had a great time.

“They won that national championship, and it’s a great thing for that organization. But that really doesn’t push me more to FSU just because they won. That’s not my main reason if I went there because I really don’t care about the rings.

“It’s about how much they are considering me and the chance to play as a true freshman. There are a lot of people leaving FSU, and there’s a great chance for me to play as a true freshman.”

Which position is Autry being recruited by at FSU? “They want me as an athlete,” he said. “They told me if they had a guy like me at Florida State, they would change some things up to utilize me a lot. They got me as an athlete, probably at the slot and receiver – just putting me where I can get out in space.”

The original plan was for both Autry and Carter to visit FSU next weekend together.

Autry and Carter together as a “package deal” creates some interesting scenarios – and plenty of fodder for message boards.

It could be a major reason that Florida gets involved with Autry, although some of that chatter began after the rapid chemistry at Army All-America Bowl practices between Autry and Will Grier, the 4-star quarterback who has enrolled early with the Gators.

“Will Grier convinced me at the Army Bowl, after practicing together every day, that I ought to consider Florida,” Autry said. “We’ve got a special connection. He thinks we could do big things together at Florida. He talked to the coaches for me, and said they liked me as a great athlete. They’ve talked to me about an official visit, and we’re trying to work things out.”

Would Autry seriously consider Florida if it decides to pursue him? “I definitely would,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of football history at the University of Florida. That’s a team a lot of people want to play for. They’ve had a couple of bad years but that program is really rebuilding and stuff like that. I think they’ll be fine. They just need some playmakers on offense. The coaches were telling me that I could be a playmaker for them. They said I could hook up with Will and change things around there. I think I could have a great chance to play there as a freshman. I would just have to be ready to compete.”

What about Carter and Autry being a “package deal” to Florida? What about Carter and Autry being a “package deal” to any college? Both will take official visits to FSU, and both could end up touring Florida, depending on how things develop between Autry and the Gators.

“There’s a high possibility we could be a package deal — I’d say it’s a 90-percent possibility,” Autry said.

“We’re great friends. I knew Lorenzo before he even transferred to Norcross. We’ve talked a lot about playing together in college and doing damage together – him on defense and me finishing it off on offense. We’re great friends. We’d love to play and, if not, we’re still be great friends.”

And that’s the reason why conspiracy theorists suggest that UGA may try to get involved with Autry – if the Bulldogs feel they have to match Florida’s overtures to stay in Carter’s good graces. “Package deals” are common to get an elite recruit, and UGA has had some success with them in recent years, including John and Nathan Theus, Quintavious “Cootie” Harrow and Isaiah Crowell, Nick Marshall and Lonnie Outlaw, and Alex and Zander Ogletree.

How would Autry feel about UGA if the Bulldogs got involved late? “If they give me a chance, I’d definitely consider them,” Autry said. “I’d have to talk to my mom and Lorenzo about it.”

Finally, Autry has Oregon and Ohio State as long-shot candidates. Things have cooled with the Buckeyes since last month’s commitment of wide receiver Johnnie Dixon of West Palm Beach, Fla.

“I talked to Johnnie at the All-America game, and he was basically telling me what he liked about Ohio State,” Autry said. “With him committing there, it didn’t affect how I feel about Ohio State. I never run away from competition. If anything, I would want to go there more just to compete. Him committing there didn’t affect me liking them. Ohio State is still my dream school, and will always be my dream school. If they want to talk again, I’d listen.”

Autry was under-recruited as a senior because it took him a long time to fully recover from knee surgery. He finally returned to old form in Norcross’ last two games of the season. He scored the game-winning touchdowns in both the playoff semifinals and state championship.

Myles, you have got an unbelievable opportunity in front of you...you have a chance to play 3 years of big time college football on the same team as your brother, at one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, in one of the most fun cities for young men in the entire country!

I missed playing ball with my little brother by 1 year because of our ages, and I can tell you that there was nothing I would have loved more than being able to tear it up on the same field as him!

You and your brother on the same offense at the same time....think about about it man...the Autry brothers WILL BE LEGENDS at GT. I have seen you both play enough to know that together you 2 would be something special.

Imagine the 2 of you lined up next to each other against the likes of FSU, Notre Dame, Clemson, UGA, Miami, VT...it doesnt get any better.

You will come in and have a great chance at immediate playing time. Your brother will return from his injury. 3 years of the Autry brothers lighting up the field together. You will get TONS of national exposure on ESPN as the 2 brothers slicing up the ACC together...that equals NFL exposure. GT can take you as far as you want to go in football if you play with the same heart i've seen from you in high school.

You will have 3 amazing years with your big brother in THE CITY OF ATLANTA. You will be kings on GT campus. You will also be in the heart of a city with TENS OF THOUSANDS of college women in a city that LOVES college football ;). GT, GSU, Kennessaw, Emory, Agnes Scott....the list goes on and on.

At the end of the day, when football is over, you will have a meaningful degree from one of the absolute best, most respected colleges in the world...you and your brother both. There is no doubt that whether you play NFL ball or not, you will be able to take care of your family for the rest of your life with your degree. GT OPENS DOORS.

And finally, think about your family...your mother...think about how proud she will be watching BOTH of her sons playing ball together EVERY WEEK, and then at the end of the day, GRADUATING FROM GT. You and your brother will talk about your years together at GT for the rest of your lives. It will be something absolutely SPECIAL.

Tell your buddy Lorenzo that GT will have a spot on the field for him from day 1. Get him on board too...yall will run GT and ATL together!

I'm afraid we can kiss this kid good bye. I don't believe he really wants to be a part of the Tech program unless he is not able to get an offer from one of the "football" schools and that certainly would not include Tech. We keep playing the academic card until it's really getting old hat. Truth is, if he is really interested in academics and can make the necessary grades, he can get a good education at almost any university of his choice and that includes a degree in engineering. Oh, I know how high the Tech engineering program is ranked but it's not necessary to be successful, even as an engineer.

Why would he want to attend GT? because there is life after FB! Do you realize the small % of kids that makeit to the NFL?Do the math dude! A degree from GT carries so much more weight that a degree from the Party School of the State of GA! Or any other SEC school as a matter of fact!

@TruthSpeaketh My personal survey of GT/UGA grads salaries clearly show that UGA grads earn MUCH more than BUNGLEEE grads.

Doctors, Dentist, Vets., Lawyers/Attorneys, Judges, etc. blow away Engineers( I am Civil Engineer) but the figures speak for themselves. I am confident the downturn of the economy had a sizeable effect on that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe you should check the results from best colleges.com that was just released and covered in the AJC on Friday Snagglepuss and your answer will be found there. Tech was number 3 in the country and UGA was no where to be found. Please get your facts right. Furthermore, most Tech alumni are successful innovators and businessmen. Dentists, Doctors, Vets? Give me a break.

@PantherDawg@Snagglepuss@TruthSpeaketh That is definitely a football-factory mindset. It may surprise you to know that the majority of athletes don't make it in the pros, so their education and potential for success in life SHOULD BE far more important than the team they play for. Does the term STUDENT-athlete mean anything to you?

I have watch this young fella play in Norcross state championship games with out him there is NO state championship, he is smoothhhh and has Heart this guy came off the bench with one leg......and spark his team towards a championship his junior yr. I think everyone is sleeping on him he is a legit prospect in his own right.......I wouldn't mind having this guy in the red & black as a punt returner, slot and running reverses.... And what stood out too me most was his heart and poise his JR yr.... like he has been there before.

Maybe you should do some analyzing of Coach Roper's background of developing QBs.....very impressive list of ex-coached QBs in the NFL. I think the kid realizes the potential of Will Grier (and even Jeff Driskel) under the guidance of coach Roper in the future.

One thing is for sure, however. Coach Pease could not develop QBs, put together an effective offensive game plan, or call any play other than a run up the middle or a quick pass to the sideline But Gator Nation has seen the end of that nonsense......and you would know that as well if you had analyzed Duke's offense over the past two seasons.

Pease ran an exciting, innovative offense when he was at Boise State. He did not all of a sudden become stupid. Will Muschamp insisted on three yards and a cloud of dust for the offense. He tied Pease's hands.

If he is really interested in showcasing his multiple talents then GT as an Aback would be his best choice. Every other school seems to be playing him for Carter. FSU is loaded and don't see how he would fit at a UGA or FLA. He is the perfect Aback and would get the ball if he buys into the system, my only concern is if he is an agreesive blocker.

His multiple talents are as KR and as a slot WR, playing A-back would harm his already small chance at playing in the NFL.

CPJ's team avgd. 15 passes per game with VL and now that we have a lesser passer than Vad (Justin Thomas)playing QB, we will probably throw the ball even LESS next year, this is not what WR Recruits want to hear before NSD.

GT has been this kids backup plan for a while and he isn't someone that we have been pursuing all that hard in the last couple of months. I doubt he would still have an offer from GT if Kinlaw had stayed. I wouldn't mind it all that much if he ended up somewhere other than GT.

My understanding is that as of TODAY, the ONLY COMMITTABLE offer on the table for Myles is from GA Tech. Everybody else is sniffing around to keep is teammate "interested". GA Tech has had a scholarship for him since day one, and kept it for him through his injury.

If you have 10 players with the same size & speed and they also have similar skills, then the NFL scouts are MORE LIKELY to draft at a higher slot the player that they think can transition to NFL more quickly, therefore the ones that play in Offenses that are more similar to what the NFL does will get drafted higher and garner a better signing bonus, ergo MORE MONEY.

GT fans like you that like to argue for no reason and try to sound so "smart", instead what you end up doing is make yourself look so DUMB.

If is only reason at this point for coming to Tech would be to play with his brother, then he should not come. His quotes and comments do not say anything to me about being a mature and solid team player and if he is riding Carter's coat tails, then he definitely is not worried about picking a school for the right reason. He might make a decent college player but also seems to be an "all about me" kind of player which can be problematic. As for him ever making it to the NFL, slim to no chance. I wish him the best, but someone really needs to have a realistic talk about "life after football".

I have agreed with other posters in the past that believe that CMR is one of the good guys in CFB.

My point was that no matter what a recruit gets told BEFORE they sign their LOI, the reality, is that that HC is going to do whatever is necessary to keep his fat paycheck rolling in, sometimes at the expense of players on scholly.

But I do agree that CMR is about a good a HC as there is for looking out for players among the HCs that win at a high level.

Would Autry seriously consider Florida if it decides to pursue him? “I definitely would,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of football history at the University of Florida. That’s a team a lot of people want to play for. They’ve had a couple of bad years but that program is really rebuilding and stuff like that. I think they’ll be fine. They just need some playmakers on offense. The coaches were telling me that I could be a playmaker for them. They said I could hook up with Will and change things around there. I think I could have a great chance to play there as a freshman. I would just have to be ready to compete.”

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Kinda amazing that elite talents out of HS don't analyze the game that they play so much.

Florida has no elite WRs, no elite QBs, on the roster and just because you met a QB at an All-Star game that doesn't mean he's gonna be a big timer or that he can win games in the SEC, since Tebow left Florida has had pure crap at QB, amazing that an elite WR that depends on QBs cannot see this.

Look at Texas under Mack Brown all those QBs they recruited also played in All-Star games and they didn't pan out in college and are the main reason that Mack Brown got fired.

A slot-WR like Autry should find the school that has had a 5-10 year track record of having good QBs almost every year, Schools like Oregon, Baylor, and maybe UGA if they come in late, maybe he should call up Texas A&M, Sumlin seems to have a good track record with developing QBs.

If it is all about FB with these recruits then they should learn how to analyze FB a lot better before they choose a school, because once they sign they lose ALL LEVERAGE.

“Package deals” are common to get an elite recruit, and UGA has had some success with them in recent years, including John and Nathan Theus, Quintavious “Cootie” Harrow and Isaiah Crowell, Nick Marshall and Lonnie Outlaw, and Alex and Zander Ogletree.

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How ironic that Nick Marshall's friend was named Lonnie OUTLAW, CMR and the Dawgs should have seen what was coming?

What about his brother’s present at Georgia Tech? How does that impact things? “He got a medical redshirt this year, giving him three more years,” Autry said. “That would just be three years for us to play together. And that would be my main reason to go to Georgia Tech, to play with my brother. Together, we could do some damage like we did in high school. It’s really going to be a hard decision there.”

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The "playing with my older brother card" is sounding weaker every day as the reality sets in that 5-9 170lbs. A-Backs don't get drafted into the NFL, whereas 5-9 170lb. slot-WRs do have slim chance get drafted into the NFL.

When it comes to future NFL chances SLIM is much better than NONE!

The way he talks about FSU getting him the ball in space describes how a slot-WR is used, not how an A-back is used, I guess when it comes down to a possible chance at an NFL paycheck, playing with your older brother and playing in your hometown so that your Mom can see you play don't stand a chance.

What he is saying about GT is the ONLY reason to play for Pajamas is his older brother, nothing about CPJ or GT, or GT winning games or GT helping his chances at the NFL.

Once again, GT and CPJ's gimmicky Tripe-OPtion system might potentially cost us a talented Recruit that WE WANTED that we projected to have the academics for GT.

A.Allen wasn't drafted from the A-back slot, he was drafted based on evaluation of his play from the B-Back slot where he had over 1,300 yds. rushing his Sr. yr., he was drafted from the B-Back slot.

You are only half-right, in these times of modern CFB.

The HC's job is to win college games, but if you aren't sending players to the NFL, then you won't get the talent in upcoming Recruiting Classes and you'll eventually be out of job for posting mediocre results as your roster gets slowly depleted and your team can no longer win games vs. Big-time opposition.

Sound familiar?

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